Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch hot on the case of Cliftonville defender Odhran Casey
TIERNAN Lynch is understood to have entered the race to sign in-demand Cliftonville centre-half Odhran Casey as the Derry City manager ramps up his winter transfer activity.
The talented 23 year-old Belfast lad has arguably been one of Cliftonville's best players this season and had reportedly attracted interest from Coleraine who have since bolstered their defensive ranks with the addition of ex-Derry City skipper Mark Connolly.
League of Ireland outfit Shelbourne are also understood to be amongst several clubs interested in signing the versatile defender who can also operate in midfield.
Cliftonville are understandably reluctant to allow Casey to leave and given the player's current contract doesn't expire until May 31st 2027, Derry would be expected to pay a significant transfer fee - potentially in the six figure bracket - if they're to bring him to Brandywell for the 2026 Airtricity League campaign.
Casey is an Irish Cup winner with the Reds in 2024 - a bittersweet occasion for the defender who was stretchered off with a broken leg in the victory over Linfield at Windsor Park. He also featured in Cliftonville's cup final loss to Dungannon Swifts last season.
Lynch has been busy in the transfer window so far with the additions of former Drogheda United midfielder, Darragh Markey, ex-Galway United centre half Rob Slevin and midfielder James Olayinka who was officially unveiled at a press conference at Owenbeg on Monday afternoon but he's far from finished.
Derry players reported back for pre-season training on Monday morning and there were a number of trialists involved including former Dungannon Swifts striker Ben Gallagher.
The 23 year-old Strabane native is currently without a club but was spotted in training with the Candy Stripes this week. Lynch is understood to be seeking another striker in the transfer market following the departure of Danny Mullen with Dipo Akinyemi and Liam Boyce the only two recognised frontmen at the club - both of whom are recovering from long term injuries.
Lynch is also running his eye over goalkeeper Liam Hughes who was recently on the books of both Celtic and Liverpool as the search for Brian Maher's number two continues following Arlo Doherty's move to Waterford.